In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed that Smith should receive a sentence not to exceed a minimum sentence of 81 months in prison. Smith can withdraw his plea if the judge announces a sentence higher than the agreement.

Sentencing is May 14 in Livingston County Circuit Court.

In entering the plea, Smith's attorney asked if he entered the Runyan Lake store on Nov. 14 in Tyrone township armed with a knife and whether he demanded money from the clerk. The incident occurred around 8:25 p.m.

"Did you get money from the person you displayed the knife to?" defense attorney Mark Gatesman asked.

"Yes," Smith replied, holding his head down as he kept his eyes on his handcuffed hands in his lap.

Smith said nothing more until he was led from court to a holding cell when he turned and told his supporters "I love you" and that he'd call them later. His supporters declined to comment after the court hearing.

Police said Smith stole an undisclosed amount of money and then fled, running northwest.

Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte said earlier that detectives followed evidence, including a discarded sweatshirt, from the crime scene along with multiple tips to help identify and track down the suspect.